2023 Best Cities for Outdoor Activities in North Carolina

• City in North Carolina

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  1,341 reviews

Current Resident: I love the diversity you see in Raleigh! There's so many amazing restaurants and shopping areas that offer me so many fun experiences. I can always find something to do in Raleigh, which I appreciate on the weekends, and I think it's extremely accessible for people of all ages. I feel safe and comfortable in Raleigh as a gay woman too. The one thing that I would love changed is that cost of living is getting extremely expensive. Apartments are going up in their cost and it's becoming a little less accessible for people of certain income lives. As a student, I do worry about my longevity in my home. I know that there are single mothers or low-income families that also struggle with this worry.... Read 1,341 reviews

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• Population 462,219

• City in North Carolina

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  1,266 reviews

Current Resident: Moving from Florida, there was a big adjustment for me in regard to the pace of the city and especially the people. The most telling thing about Charlotte is that it's so hard to come across natives and I believe that correlates to its newness in comparison to other large cities. When me and my family first arrived we lived on the West side of Charlotte off of Sunset but have been on the South side for the past seven years and even this side alone has changed drastically. Although, we were right by the mall this entire area was pretty much vacant with a couple of restaurants and now there's apartment buildings coming up on every corner. I've witnessed immense growth in Charlotte that has taken it from a quaint city to a thriving hub for establishment, sports, living and entertainment. There's so many opportunities being brought in with this growth but my least favorite attribute of it all is the traffic!... Read 1,266 reviews

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• Population 864,871

• City in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.96 out of 5  512 reviews

Current Resident: Wilmington has a very diverse atmosphere which is what draws most to the City. Many people enjoy its charming historic district and beautiful beaches ESPECIALLY ME! Here are some aspects I really liked: Historic Charm:Wilmington's historic downtown is known for cobblestone streets, historic homes, and vibrant riverfront. Many enjoy exploring this area, its shops, restaurants, & cultural attractions. Beaches:Wilmington boasts nearby beaches like Wrightsville & Carolina Beach, which are popular during the summer! Cultural Scene:The city has a lively arts and cultural scene with theaters, galleries, & museums. The Wilmington Riverwalk on the Cape Fear River is a popular spot for events and festivals. Things I'd like to see change or improve: Traffic:Wilmington has experienced growth, leading to traffic congestion. Improved transportation infrastructure would be beneficial. Affordability:the cost of living can be high. Efforts to reduce this cost especially for housing would be beneficial.... Read 512 reviews

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• Population 115,976

• City in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.77 out of 5  692 reviews

Former Resident: I grew up in Durham, and it was a wonderful experience. The city has a unique mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods that provided me with different perspectives and experiences. Growing up in Durham, I was exposed to a diverse population with a mix of ethnic and cultural groups, which was an invaluable opportunity to learn and appreciate different cultures. Durham is also known for its universities, including Duke University and North Carolina Central University. As a result, education was always a top priority in our community, and I was fortunate to have access to excellent schools. One of the things I loved about Durham was the city's strong arts and culture scene. Events like the American Dance Festival and the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival provided me with opportunities to experience and appreciate different forms of art, which was very enriching. Overall, I am grateful for the experience of growing up in Durham, and I believe it has shaped me into the person I am today.... Read 692 reviews

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• Population 279,106

• City in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.41 out of 5  1,028 reviews

Nearby Resident: Fayetteville has a rich history and many sculptures and works of art that pay tribute to the history of the city. The museums are full of local and historical artists and the staff are very knowledgeable and informative in their tours. The city offers plenty of shops and restaurants for all tastes and cravings along with a good variety of lodging options for visitors. The colleges and universities nearby offer many academic programs in different fields for those in the community to choose from that peek their interest. Hiking trails, lakes, and camp sites also offer some fun for outdoor enthusiasts. Overall, a very nice town.... Read 1,028 reviews

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• Population 208,497

• City in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  967 reviews

Current Resident: Since moving on campus to Greensboro, it has been quite the ride. I love being in the city when I thought I never would. Living in the city offers a vibrant and fast-paced lifestyle with endless opportunities for entertainment, cultural experiences, and career growth. The bustling streets are always alive with people, shops, restaurants, and events. Additionally, the city provides convenient access to various amenities such as public transportation, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions that make daily life more convenient and accessible. I love Greensboro!... Read 967 reviews

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• Population 295,483

• City in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.66 out of 5  719 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Winston in 2019. From moving to Charlotte and Greensboro and Raleigh, I have returned to Winston-Salem. Something keeps pulling me back! It is a city that has a profound highlight in the arts and culture. There are murals everywhere downtown, and plenty of local shops where artists showcase their work. With some digging, there is a place for everyone to grow and develop.... Read 719 reviews

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• Population 247,917

• City in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.51 out of 5  310 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in High Point, North Carolina, my entire life. The population of High Point is 113,148. The majority of High Point is in Guilford County, but some parts are in Davidson, Forsyth, and Randolph counties. High Point is the only city in North Carolina that extends into four counties. The City of High Point was so named because it was the highest point on the North Carolina Railroad when it was established in 1859. High Point is known as the Furniture Capital of the World. The largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world is held in High Point during April and October each year. I love living in High Point and, in particular, in North Carolina. The beach is only three to four hours away, while you can take a trip to the mountains in about two hours. My entire extended family usually spends a week at the beach every summer. I really would not want to change anything about High Point. It offers everything you could want in order to have a happy life.... Read 310 reviews

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• Population 113,148